Our Junior Eagles will have 5 teams competing in the National Junior Classic tournament this weekend. The tournament is held 10-12 June over the Queen's Birthday weekend, the best Australian junior teams in each age group will face sides from around the country in a bid to become a classic champion. We had the chance to talk to the coaches of each of these teams to discuss how they are travelling going into the tournament. 

 

Under 14 (1) Girls - Jacqui O'Neill

The under 14 girls have had a great run up to the classic finishing the first half of the season 8-1. Winning through to Victorian championship before Christmas the girls have had their eyes set on playing in the classic. The team have had a few injuries; however, have been working hard to learn their plays and are looking forward to playing the best teams in the country in preparation for the rest of the year. 

 

 

Under 16 (1) Boys - Jack Fleming

 

Our u16 boys group finished 4th in their pool with 6 wins and 3 losses, 

 

taking the last spot to qualify for the classic. The boys are very excited as for everybody in the team, it is their first time playing at a classic. We are not just there to make up the numbers, however there will be some quality opposition so hopefully we can improve with each game we play and get some wins. 

 

Under 16 (1) Girls - Simon Hickey

The U16.1 Girls are pleased to have qualified for the National Junior Classic after securing a 6 and 3 record in the first half of the MUVJBL season.

Having been in the bottom half of the table with a 3 and 3 record after our first six games (Those 3 losses were by a combined 11 points), the girls have played some far more consistent basketball in recent weeks to finish off the first half of the season with 3 solid victories. A pleasing aspect of our play has been the even contribution from all players on the offensive end while our focus on defence has seen the group really come together well.

The opportunity to play at the National Junior Classic is one the girls are certainly looking forward. I also know the parents who have been a fantastic support to the team so far are also very excited at the chance to see their daughters up against the best U16 teams throughout the country. I know we will face some very tough opposition from not only the other MUVJBL teams but also those teams travelling from interstate and overseas, and if we can continue to build on the good work over the last few weeks I am sure we can be more than competitive over the weekend and hopefully be amongst it at the pointy end of the tournament.

We look forward to seeing those who can make it down to support the girls and we thank you in advance. Go Eagles!!

 

Under 18 (1) Girls - Mark Alabakov

I'm pleased with our recent performances that have lead to our qualification for the National Junior Classic, earning the opportunity by playing mindfully, playing hard and playing with and for one another.

We have done a tremendous job of shifting our mindset to become indifferent to circumstances beyond our control and view each situation, game and the path forward with an assertive, confident and empowered mind. 

Despite many injuries and absences, we never quit when it got tough and recently strung together 6 wins in a row by playing selflessly and without any thought about how many shots each athlete takes or how many minutes they've played - I'm really in awe of how together the team has become. 

Gabby, Emma and Eilish are fiercely competitive for positions and possessions, Sharna and Mikayla are offensive threats that are difficult to match up on because they are comfortable inside and out, catch and shoot or off the dribble. Ivana and Olivia have taken big steps forward in contributions and add so much to our group with their versatility.

Continuing to put the team first, we will enter the Classic with the same tools and habits that have served us well enough to earn an invite and will represent the Eagles in the professional manner in which club would expect. 

I'm looking forward to a great weekend of putting bricks in the wall of our team's development.

 

Good luck to all of our teams! Help us support our Junior Eagles across the weekend, there is no door entry fee so everyone is welcome. Below is the link to the fixtures for all of the games across the weekend. GO EAGLES!

http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-5008-0-0-0&a=COMPS